Lorry drivers lack proper provision, says Baptist minister  

The shortage of drivers with heavy good vehicle licences is no surprise. That’s the view of Baptist minister the Redv Phil Jump, who believes that the poor facilities provided for lorry drivers in the UK is similar to that of the thousands of navvies digging roads, railways and reservoirs in the late 1800s

The facilities for these navvies, mostly from Ireland, were so primitive that it led to the formation of the Navvy Mission Society in 1877, which is now represented in the UK by the Industrial Christian Fellowship (ICF) for which Phil is chairman. 

'The provisions for long distance lorry drivers are quite inadequate,' he said. 'It is no surprise that older drivers who retire are not always able to be replaced and that drivers from the continent prefer the conditions there and are not tempted to come to the UK.' 

Phil was at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park, Surrey, last week, to launch Love:Work – reflections and prayers for a world at work, written by himself and fellow Baptist minister John Weaver. 

The book follows one published last year – Love @ Work – celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Fellowship written by Phil, John, the ICF vice chairman, and Baptist historian Ian Randall. 

'Love:Work  provides a resource and an opportunity for reflection for people working in the UK,' he said. 'It gives readings, reflections and prayers on a series of subjects – Be diligent, be alert, be forgiving, be caring, be honest, be healthy, be prayerful, be generous, be positive and be reliable. 

'They can be used in public worship, or as an encouragement to people in their workplace.' he added. 

And there is even a beer mat with the sections of the book printed on it, to encourage workers not to forget the lessons as they take a tea break during the day at work. 

Phil is regional minister team leader of the North Western Baptist Association, while John is a former Principal of Baptist College, Cardiff and a former president of the Baptist Union.  

 

Love:Work – reflections and prayers for a world at work is available from the Baptists Together online shop.